Politician congratulates nursery group founder for 'outstanding' work in childcare

14-Aug-17

Article By: Michaela Mildenhall

One of 14 outstanding nurseries run by Children 1st Day Nurseries has received a visit from MP Maggie Throup in a bid to congratulate staff and the group’s founder Margaret Mason for her services to education.

Children 1st @ Derby Road Nursery, which received an ‘outstanding’ rating in all areas from Ofsted in 2016, is among the 14 nurseries in the group’s portfolio of 23 settings to achieve the top honour and received a visit from the MP for Erewash.

The politician met with staff, children and Margaret Mason, who received an OBE in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours list, and congratulated the group on its success in having more than 70 per cent of its nurseries rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

The MP visited the nursery to see for herself how an ‘outstanding’ provision operated and met with nursery manager Kate Horsley, senior manager Heather Mayfield and director Julia Mason, who gave her a tour of the setting. The nursery was praised by Ofsted inspectors in its report for ‘inspirational leadership’, motivated staff and its ability to offer children ‘exceptionally exciting and varied activities’ that cover aspects of learning in depth.

Children’s behaviour was also described as excellent with regular and precise assessment helping children to excel from ‘very clear starting points’. It also noted excellent communication and sharing of information between parents.

Both women discussed highlights from the career of the nursery group owner, and many of the challenges the nursery sector faces. The chief executive who has been overwhelmed by the countless messages of congratulations resulting from her OBE award said of her meeting with the MP: “It was a pleasure to welcome Maggie to Children 1st. I am pleased that our local MP is keen to meet with businesses so they gain an understanding of the issues being faced and see the excellent work being done by many firms in the district.”

Ms Throup said: “It’s a privilege to meet companies in Erewash who are leading the way in their sector and are an example of excellence at a local and national level.

“I have found the visit very informative and it’s been lovely to meet such dedicated professionals and wonderful children.”